Adrian’s heart raced as Elena’s body slipped limply into his arms once again, her breathing shallow and uneven. Her pale face reflected nothing but exhaustion, and her fragile form made him feel an overwhelming need to protect her. He cursed softly under his breath, panic surging through him as he noticed she had slipped back into unconsciousness.
Without a second thought, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her carefully as he made his way toward his university dorm. It was the nearest place, and more importantly, no one would recognize her there. His protective instincts kicked into overdrive, and the thought of her being in public in this condition sent a surge of anxiety through him.
He pushed the door open with his foot and entered the room, kicking it shut behind him. The room was dimly lit, the air cool, but that didn’t matter now. He quickly set her down on the bed, his hands shaking slightly as he pulled the comforter up around her for warmth. The heater kicked on, filling the room with warmth, though it did little to calm the storm brewing inside of him.
Adrian took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. His mind was clouded with worry, but there was little he could do except make sure she was comfortable. His gaze flickered to her pale face again, and something in him just couldn’t stand seeing her this way. He reached for the towels, soaking one in warm water before carefully wiping her face and hands, his touch gentle, almost reverent. But as his hand skimmed down her neck, he froze.
He couldn’t help but notice that her jump suit, still damp from the pool, clung uncomfortably to her. The thought of her lying in wet clothes made his stomach twist with guilt and concern. His eyes lingered on her sleeping form for a moment before he made up his mind. He couldn’t leave her like this, not in these clothes.
He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breath. It’s just for her comfort, he reminded himself. Slowly, with as much care as he could muster, he lifted her slightly, feeling the softness of her skin against his palms as he unzipped her jump suit. He gently tossed the fabric aside, moving cautiously to remove her inner clothes. His heart raced, but he didn’t dare let his gaze wander. She needed warmth, not attention.
With his hands trembling, Adrian reached into his bag and pulled out one of his oversized t-shirts, carefully slipping it over her head. He adjusted it gently, making sure it draped over her properly, covering her. His chest tightened as he lowered her back down onto the bed, her body sinking into the soft mattress. He smoothed her hair away from her face, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheek as he sighed in relief.
She looked peaceful now, but there was still so much worry hanging over him. He needed to make sure she was okay. His mind was running in circles, the stress building up again. He turned the heater up slightly and moved to the bedside, resting his head in his hands for a moment.
Then, her phone buzzed from the nightstand. Adrian hesitated, looking at the screen. The message was from her mother. His fingers brushed the edge of the phone, and he glanced down, reading the message with an intense focus.
*Mom: Darling, don’t listen to your dad’s silly talks and his gibberish, you don’t need to come here, you’re okay where you are. Just study hard and go to the next semester with high grades.
Listen carefully, dear, don’t think of coming back here. If you come here, your dad will sell you to those debtors. Please, don’t come back *
The words hit him like a punch to the gut. The desperation and fear in her mother’s message were so raw, so heart-wrenching. Adrian’s jaw clenched tightly, anger bubbling up inside of him. What kind of man would threaten his own daughter like that? The thought alone sent waves of protectiveness surging through him.
He looked down at Elena, still unconscious, her soft breath the only sign that she was alive. His heart twisted in his chest at the thought of what she must have gone through, what kind of emotional toll this was taking on her. He couldn’t imagine how hard it must be for her to carry the weight of such a burden, not just with her father, but with the entire world seemingly against her.
Adrian’s grip tightened on her phone, his frustration growing as he read her mother’s message again. He won’t let anything happen to her. He’d make sure of it.
He sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers gently brushing over her hand, trying to calm his mind. She’s strong, he thought. She’s going to make it through this. But the fear still gnawed at him, and the guilt of not being able to protect her sooner lingered like a dark cloud.
His thoughts were interrupted by Elena’s soft, barely audible murmur. Adrian’s eyes shot to her face, his heart skipping a beat as her eyelids fluttered.
“Elena?” His voice was soft but filled with the urgency of the moment.
Her eyes opened slowly, meeting his gaze for the briefest of moments. Her lips parted, but before she could speak, her eyes fluttered closed again, and she drifted back into unconsciousness.
Adrian exhaled sharply, unable to hide the mix of relief and frustration that washed over him. He wished he could do more, but for now, all he could do was stay with her, keep her safe, and protect her from the storms that raged around her.
He leaned back in the chair beside the bed, his eyes never leaving her face. “I’ll be here,” he whispered softly, his voice barely audible, but filled with promise. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
And he meant it.